There are many things that fleet managers should consider regarding their fleet vehicles when it comes to fleet vehicle insurance. What about the impact of safety on your fleet vehicle insurance?
Safety goes without saying in the fleet vehicle insurance industry, yet many people still don’t think about it enough when they are on the road. As you might imagine, your fleet insurance rate can vary greatly depending on how safe or unsafe you are while driving, which can have lasting effects on the entire fleet insurance industry.
Let’s take a look at what safety has to do with your fleet vehicle insurance rates and why it’s so important to be as safe as possible on the road
Having Clean Driving Records Can Lead To Discounts
Some companies reward drivers who have fewer tickets and accidents with lower rates. A clean driving record also looks good to lenders. When getting a mortgage, your home loan company will check your insurance rates and deductibles for any indication of irresponsible or reckless behaviour. By staying accident-free, you’ll help maintain a favourable interest rate on your home loan or refinance mortgage.
Many companies use telematics provided by companies like Humn.ai with their Rideshur product to monitor their drivers. Telematics devices use GPS and other technology to track a company’s vehicles, enabling them to measure how far and fast you drive, as well as how quickly you brake or accelerate.
They can also let your employer know if you’re texting or distracted behind the wheel, which is against most fleet policies. Your fleet insurance provider can use this information to help determine your premium rates.
An insurance company that uses telematics may give drivers a discount if they have a clean driving record with few citations and accidents or penalise drivers with poor records more heavily than drivers with comparable clean records.
Safe Drivers Are Cheaper To Insure Than Unsafe Ones
A comprehensive study by the Institute of Advanced Motorists in the UK found that safety features on a vehicle were often key to determining insurance costs, while unsafe drivers pay more. For example, an up-to-date car and good maintenance are crucial.
If you have airbags and anti-lock brakes, or even if you’re a motorist in possession of a full driver’s license (rather than a provisional one), your rates should be cheaper than those for someone who doesn’t have these things. Also, take note of whether your home address has been linked to multiple incidents with the police; repeat offenders will see higher premiums for driving uninsured.
While it’s true that drivers who take precautions and make safe decisions while behind the wheel may see lower insurance costs than those who don’t, there are other ways to reduce your premiums. For example, if you already have another car with good safety ratings, you may be able to get a discount for getting a policy on that vehicle instead of one on your more at-risk model.
Also, note that policies can cover more than just vehicles: adding safe driver discounts and using special programs can help boost your scores if they’re not yet up to snuff. Other strategies include taking safe driver courses, having an accident-free record, or connecting with other consumers in your area through local transportation initiatives or driving clubs.